Regional cooperation cannot be measured by meetings convened or documents adopted, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma.
Theresa Lazaro said on Saturday as she urged Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states to translate dialogue into coordinated action.
Speaking at the opening of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Pasay City, Lazaro said that the bloc’s true measure lies in addressing shared concerns and delivering tangible benefits to the public, as reported by the Philippine Canadian Inquirer. The meeting precedes the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits scheduled in Manila from November 15 to 17.
Philippines Guided Regional Security and Stability During Chairship
Member states worked to maintain peace and security through norms, enhance regional stability, and build resilience against cross-border challenges during the Philippine chairship.
Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro headed the final Extended Informal Consultation on the Five-Point Consensus under the Philippines' ASEAN Chairship.#ASEAN2026 #DFAForgingAhead pic.twitter.com/hXQ6m2GaEf
The Philippines guided the bloc through hurdles, including the conflict in West Asia, natural disasters, and mounting pressure on multilateral institutions. Lazaro thanked member states for their cooperation throughout the year, emphasizing that the progress achieved represents a shared accomplishment.
“Our chairship may pass from one member state to another, but our collective resolve and fundamental responsibility to ASEAN should remain constant,” Lazaro told the Philippine Canadian Inquirer.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today participated in the 39th ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) Meeting, in Manila, the Philippines. Dr. Kao briefed the Ministers on key developments in the work of ASEAN, as well as the functions and operations of the ASEAN… pic.twitter.com/JI2OfWcR6g
Expanding The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation
The bloc commemorated the fiftieth anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, working toward its operationalization with the adoption of new guidelines. Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary and ASEAN Spokesperson Dominic Xavier Imperial confirmed that Cyprus, Slovakia, and Slovenia will sign the treaty during the summit, DZRH reported.
Their accession brings the total number of High Contracting Parties to 65. Adopted in 1976, the treaty serves as ASEAN’s code of conduct, anchored on respect for sovereignty, non-interference, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
The ASEAN Ministerial Meeting convene today in Manila, the Philippines, for a series of meetings to advance preparations for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. Their discussions will focus on reviewing progress in ASEAN Community-building and advancing regional… pic.twitter.com/c2D9fBgh2H
Advancing The Digital Economy Framework
On the economic front, negotiations progressed for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, designed to ease cross-border e-commerce and establish common rules for data and digital payments.
ASEAN conferred Sectoral Dialogue Partnership status to Qatar and Germany, welcomed Turkiye as its 12th Dialogue Partner, and added the United Kingdom as the 28th ASEAN Regional Forum Participant.
Common Questions About The ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting
What is the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia?
Adopted in 1976, the treaty serves as ASEAN’s core regional peace and security agreement. It is anchored on the principles of respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Who is joining the treaty during the Manila summit?
Cyprus, Slovakia, and Slovenia are scheduled to sign the agreement as High Contracting Parties, bringing the total number of signatories to 65, according to the DFA.
Saya bersama Azizah berlepas ke Manila, Filipina bagi menghadiri Sidang Kemuncak ASEAN ke-49 dan Sidang-Sidang Kemuncak Berkaitan yang berlangsung hingga Selasa depan. Malaysia akan terus memainkan peranan aktif dalam memperkukuh hubungan serantau, merapatkan persefahaman dan… pic.twitter.com/IZO61cTks2
When are the ASEAN Summits taking place in Manila?
The 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits are scheduled to run from November 15 to 17, following the foreign ministers’ meetings.
“Our experience this year has reaffirmed that regional cooperation cannot be measured solely by the meetings we convene or the documents that we adopt,” Lazaro said at the opening of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.